What is “Grandma Core”, the trend taking over summer bedrooms?

Grandma core? It’s all those cherished, nostalgic bits and bobs you’d typically discover whilst rummaging through your grandmother’s house. Think lovingly crocheted blankets, carefully embroidered pillows, and time-worn quilts passed down through generations. 

Those delightfully dainty teacups adorned with intricate floral patterns, and yes, even those traditional doily pieces are making a remarkable comeback. It’s essentially like embarking on a deliberate treasure hunt through your grandma’s attic, but with a purposeful, stylish twist.

The grandma core aesthetic

At the heart of Grandma core lies a profound yearning for simpler, more meaningful times, when life moved at a gentler pace and every item in the home told its own unique story.

Grandma core bedrooms are characteristically filled with well-loved, vintage furniture pieces. We’re talking about authentic antiques or carefully selected items that bear the beautiful marks of time and use.

You might stumble upon a sturdy wooden dresser with its original patina intact, a characterful chair that welcomes you with a familiar creak, or perhaps a beautifully hand-carved side table that’s witnessed decades of family gatherings.

What might initially appear to be a collection of furniture destined for the skip represents something far more meaningful – it’s about crafting a space that feels genuinely lived-in, warm, and brimming with tales waiting to be shared over a cup of tea.

You can thoughtfully incorporate new furniture pieces that complement this timeless style, such as a stately high-footboard pine bed frame like the Birlea Corona, or opt for a classic design like the Perfectly British Strand from Sleepeezee beds.

Pictured: Birlea Corona 4FT 6 Double Wooden Bed Frame – High Footend. Available from Bedstar.

Whatever furniture pieces you ultimately select, remember that their supposed imperfections are celebrated rather than viewed as outdated or redundant. Each scratch, dent, and worn edge add to the authentic charm of the space.

Pictured: Sleepeezee Perfectly British Strand 1400 Pocket Spring Divan Bed. Available from Bedstar.

If it was good enough for grandma’s discerning taste, then it’s certainly good enough for your contemporary interpretation!

Pictured: Julian Bowen Rebecca 4FT 6 Double Bed Frame – Black. Available from Bedstar.

Breaking down the elements 

Pictured: Floral bedroom décor, prevalent in “Grandma Core” Décor Trend.

Grandma core brings the nostalgia to life through these essential elements:

Floral prints

Your window dressings, bed linens, wallcoverings, floor rugs, and soft furnishings such as throws and blankets should feature botanical or floral themes. One of the most delightful aspects of these patterns is their versatility – you can easily switch between different colour palettes to match the changing seasons and your evolving personal preferences.

Oldie artwork

Local charity shops and vintage thrift stores are absolute treasure troves for discovering characterful old artwork, or if you prefer, you can explore quality art prints from masters like Van Gogh and Monet at establishments such as King & McGaw. For that quintessential classical touch, seek out pieces housed in ornate golden frames.

Knitted textures

When it comes to grandma core, the more substantial and tactile the textures, the better. Think chunky knitted blankets, cosy throws, and plump cushions. You might even fancy trying your hand at crochet to create your own unique pieces, or alternatively, explore the wonderful world of handcrafted knitted items available from talented artisans on Etsy.

Antique-esque furniture

While your bedroom furniture needn’t be genuinely antique or dating back to the turn of the century, it should ideally feature rich, dark woods such as oak, mahogany, or walnut. Creating this look needn’t break the bank – simply explore your local preloved furniture shops for hidden gems.

Sleigh bed

A traditional wooden bed perfectly captures the grandma core aesthetic, particularly sleigh beds with their distinctive classical charm. These sophisticated pieces feature elegantly padded scrolls at both the head and foot of the bed.

Pictured: Willis Gambier Antoinette 4FT 6 Double Sleigh Bed. Available from Bedstar.

Fragrances

Vanilla, rosemary, and coconut are the smells that remind us of grandma’s house, with freshly baked flapjack too good to ignore. But maybe your grandma loved Chanel No. 5? Go personal on fragrances for a touch of nostalgia. 

Vintage lighting

Fabric lampshades with intact tassels are the ultimate grandma core pick. Don’t forget that glass red and green Tiffany shade for your ceiling. The light should be warm and adjustable on a dimmer to give you the perfect ambience. 

Pictured: Visual representation of vintage bedroom lighting, prevalent in “Grandma core” bedroom décor trend.

Don’t overlook the timeless appeal of a classic red and green Tiffany shade for your ceiling fixture – these stained-glass masterpieces cast beautiful patterns across your walls whilst adding a touch of old-world elegance. To create the perfect ambience, ensure your lighting is warm and adjustable with a dimmer switch, allowing you to transition seamlessly from bright morning light to a cosy evening atmosphere.

Chinaware

No grandma core bedroom would be complete without an elegant display of cherished China ware; particularly delicate teacups arranged on a gleaming silver tray. These precious pieces serve dual purposes – they’re both decorative treasures perfect for adorning shelves and practical items ready for impromptu afternoon tea gatherings. 

Consider displaying mix-and-match vintage sets or family heirloom pieces that tell their own unique stories. After all, you’re never too old to host a proper tea party in your bedroom sanctuary.

Summing up

Grandma core represents a beautiful interior design movement that celebrates the warmth of nostalgia, the embrace of comfort, and the treasure trove of cherished memories. Its deeply personal nature sets it apart from other interior styles, and it pairs wonderfully with mid-century and Art Deco elements for added sophistication.

While you needn’t fully commit to transforming every aspect of your bedding, furniture, and décor, embracing even simple touches like florals and knitted textures can create that coveted sense of comfort and connection.

Give it a try – your grandmother would certainly approve with pride.